Type
Conference
CIFAL Flanders - International SDG Conference: Global Goals, Local Action
Location
Flanders, Belgium
Date
Duration
1 Days
Programme Area
Decentralize Cooperation Programme
Website
Price
$0.00
Event Focal Point Email
cifalflanders@cifal-flanders.org
Registration
Open-registration event
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-Face
Language(s)
English
Pillar
People
Partnership
CIFAL Flanders
Event Objectives
To strengthen local implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals by fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and political commitment among local and international stakeholders.
Specific Objectives:
- Promote the localization of the SDGs within municipal policies and planning
- Share innovative practices from cities and local governments
- Strengthen partnerships between local and international actors
- Encourage political commitment to accelerate SDG implementation
- Facilitate peer learning across regions and sectors
Background
With only a few years remaining until 2030, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires accelerated action at all levels of governance. Local authorities play a crucial role in translating global commitments into tangible community-level impact.
The conference “Global Goals, Local Action” was organized to highlight the importance of SDG localization and to strengthen collaboration among municipalities, governments, civil society, and international actors. It aimed to promote practical solutions, peer learning, and renewed political commitment toward sustainable development at the local level.
Content and Structure
The conference adopted a participatory and multi-stakeholder approach including:
- High-level keynote speeches
- Panel discussions with mayors and international experts
- Thematic breakout sessions (eight parallel sessions)
- Presentation of case studies and best practices
- Networking and partnership-building opportunities
- Launch of renewed SDG commitment statements
The structure enabled both policy dialogue and practical exchange of experiences.
Methodology
Key Themes
- SDG localization and municipal governance
- Sustainable urban development
- Climate action and resilience
- Migration and inclusion
- Digital transformation
- International municipal cooperation
- Multi-level governance
Targeted Audience
- Local government officials and municipal staff
- Mayors and policymakers
- Representatives of regional and national governments
- International organizations
- Civil society organizations
- Development cooperation actors
- Private sector representatives
Additional Information
The conference contributes to:
- Strengthening local governance capacity for SDG implementation
- Promoting policy coherence between global and local levels
- Accelerating progress toward the 2030 Agenda
- Reinforcing the role of municipalities as key SDG actors
The conference supports the entire 2030 Agenda framework, with particular relevance to:
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13 – Climate Action
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
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